First Class Spotlight: From Farm Fields to First Class : How Faruq Achieved a 4.57 CGPA in Accounting

Abbas Success is rarely accidental. It is deliberate, disciplined, and often built on sacrifice. For Faruq, graduating with a first-class degree in Accounting from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto with a remarkable CGPA of 4.57 was not simply the result of intelligence or luck.

It was the product of conviction, resilience, and relentless effort, a journey that began long before university lecture halls.Mohammed Umar Faruq is a native of Shiya in Baruten local government of Kwara State.

His dedication has thrived with the prestigious recognition as the first student to graduate with first class honors in his community, shaping it as a grand breaking achievement, which is not restricted to him alone but the entire Shiya community.

A Passion Discovered EarlyFaruq’s love for Accounting started as early as JSS3 at Government Unity Secondary School, Kaiama. While most students were still uncertain about their futures, he had already made a firm decision.“I was naturally blessed with the field,” he recalls.

“I have never thought of any course apart from Accounting.”Even his teachers, impressed by his academic brilliance, tried to redirect him to science, believing he could excel there.“They threatened me to change it for science because I was one of their best students,” he says.But Faruq practiced something rare at a young age — assertiveness. He stayed true to his passion, trusting his conviction rather than external pressure.

That early decision would define his academic trajectory and teach him the first lesson of his journey: believe in yourself, no matter the pressure.The Role of MentorshipBehind his confidence and determination was guidance from a trusted mentor. “Kudos to my mentor Mohammed Barahama, who always advised me to go for what I believe is the best for me,” Faruq shares.This mentorship reinforced the importance of conviction and long-term vision, teaching him to make choices based on principle, not convenience.

That guidance would become especially critical during moments of doubt and intense competition at the university level.Excelling in National College of Education (NCE) and the Two-Year WaitFaruq’s academic journey progressed to the College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi, where he pursued Business Education (Accounting option) for his NCE program. Here, his consistent hard work paid off as he graduated with distinction.However, university admission did not come immediately.

Faruq stayed at home for two years before securing admission into UDUS. For many students, such a gap can dull momentum and dampen ambition. But not for Faruq. He used the two-year period to strengthen his resolve and prepare mentally for the rigors of university education.“When admission finally came, I was ready to give it my all,” he says.

This patience and self-discipline during the waiting period has proved instrumental in sustaining his focus throughout university.Choosing UDUS: Merit and PeaceWhen the time came to select a university, Faruq made another deliberate choice.“I chose UDUS because I was told that they award their certificate based on merit. And I believed that I had the potential to meet what it takes to graduate as one of the best students,” he explains.He was not seeking comfort or shortcuts; he was seeking credibility.

He says pleasantly “I value peace more than anything else. I’m proud to be a product of the most peaceful university in Nigeria.”The peaceful environment of us has provided the stability he needed, allowing him to focus on consistent learning, deep understanding, and disciplined practice.Balancing Family, Farms, and Academic PursuitsFaruq’s university journey was far from ordinary. Beyond academic pressure, he had enormous responsibilities at home. As the breadwinner of his family, he carried not only financial obligations but also emotional expectations.“I have encountered a lot of challenges, especially trying to balance academics with family responsibilities as the breadwinner of my family,” he admits.In addition to family duties, Faruq was also a farmer.

Agriculture, after all, was a source of livelihood and stability for his household.“I had to forgo my farms for school, entrusting them in the hands of my younger brother. Sometimes, I would come home to inspect things myself,” he says.Balancing farm oversight, family needs, and academic rigor would have overwhelmed many students.

But Faruq turned responsibility into motivation, using it to sharpen focus rather than as a distraction. His ability to manage multiple priorities became a key strength in his journey.Reading Routine, Evenings at Vet: Building ConsistencyDiscipline and environment played a significant role in Faruq’s success.

One of his key strategies was evening study sessions at the faculty of Veterinary Medicine lecture rooms, which he often extended into the night.“I studied every evening at Vet and sometimes at night because the classes are always quiet and conducive for me and my reading partner,” he explains.

These empty classrooms became a sanctuary where Faruq could focus deeply, revise past questions, and consolidate knowledge without distractions.Those evenings were consistent, focused, and intentional, the foundation upon which he built his remarkable academic record.Battling Competition, Health Challenges, and Discomfort“At first, I felt like giving up because of the high competition in the department,” Faruq admits.The Accounting department at UDUS is filled with highly capable students. Realizing that everyone around you is equally driven can shake confidence.

But Faruq reminded himself of his NCE distinction. “I told myself that I can do it because I have done that before.”On top of academic pressure, Faruq battled physical challenges.“I’m someone with a very weak body that gets sick easily,” he shares. Night reading sessions were often disrupted by merciless mosquitoes.Harsh weather and tight lecture schedules tested both endurance and focus.Yet, he refused to let illness, discomfort, or competition derail his commitment.

“Despite all difficulties, I was focused to achieve my goal,” he emphasizes.The Numbers Behind the First ClassFaruq’s CGPA progression reflects consistent excellence: at 100 Level 4.67200 Level – 4.60, 300 Level – 4.61, and at the final level, the CGPA has Mount the peak with an impressive CGPA of 4.57.These results were not the outcome of luck or a single strong semester. They were the product of years of deliberate, disciplined effort, carefully balancing academics, responsibilities, and personal challenges.A Historic AchievementFaruq’s efforts culminated in a historic milestone. “To God be the glory, I became the first person to graduate with a first-class honor in my community,” he proudly states.From early conviction in JSS3, through the NCE distinction, the two-year wait, and the balancing of family, farms, and academic responsibilities, Faruq had carved a path that few could replicate. His journey is a blueprint for perseverance, vision, and hard work.Assertiveness and Self-BeliefLooking back, one trait stands out as the defining quality of Faruq’s success.

He chose Accounting when others pressured him to switch.He maintained focus during a two-year admission delay. He balanced family, farming, and academics without compromising performance.He studied through illness, discomfort, and competition.He believed in merit, in discipline, and most importantly, in himself.

“That belief carried me through and made all the difference,” he says.Alhamdulillahi at the EndFaruq’s journey, from farm fields to first-class distinction is a testament to determination, resilience, and the power of conviction.From early decisions in JSS3, to NCE distinction, to a two-year waiting period, to balancing family, farms, and academic pressures, he demonstrates that excellence is earned, not given.Alhamdulillahi indeed.Faruq’s story is more than an academic achievement, it is inspiration, guidance, and legacy for gener